Shazam History

$1.99 Unlocks Everything In Key Collector

Clicking on the eBay link and making a purchase may result in this site earning a commission from the eBay Partner Network.

Key Facts

1st appearance of Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology

The 'Z' in Shazam represents the power of Zeus

1st appearance of Mercury, the Greek deity best known as the messenger of the gods

The 'M' in Shazam represents Mercury who lends his speediness to Shazam

1st appearance of Pandora, a character in classical mythology whose actions caused the evils of mankind to be released into the world

Key Facts

1st appearance of Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology

The 'Z' in Shazam represents the power of Zeus

1st appearance of Mercury, the Greek deity best known as the messenger of the gods

The 'M' in Shazam represents Mercury who lends his speediness to Shazam

1st appearance of Pandora, a character in classical mythology whose actions caused the evils of mankind to be released into the world

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Blue Beetle, first in a costume closer to the character's more common design

1st appearance of Hercules, the 'H' in Shazam refers to this version of Hercules who lends his strength to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Mystery Men Comics #2 is the in-continuity first appearance of DC's version of Hercules who continues to appear as an Olympian god with an ongoing backstory

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Blue Beetle, first in a costume closer to the character's more common design

1st appearance of Hercules, the 'H' in Shazam refers to this version of Hercules who lends his strength to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Mystery Men Comics #2 is the in-continuity first appearance of DC's version of Hercules who continues to appear as an Olympian god with an ongoing backstory

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett couldn't use the title Flash Comics due to All-American Comics (DC) already having secured the rights

8 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.4 graded copy

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett couldn't use the title Flash Comics due to All-American Comics (DC) already having secured the rights

8 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.4 graded copy

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett was forced to select the name Whiz Comics after Better Publications acquired the title Thrilling Comics

3 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.0 graded copy

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett was forced to select the name Whiz Comics after Better Publications acquired the title Thrilling Comics

3 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.0 graded copy

Whiz Comics #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1940

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

$34k

Mid

$106k

High

$301k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam

1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam

1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher

1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins

While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman

Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2

There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam

1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam

1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher

1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins

While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman

Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2

There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Captain Marvel, later becomes Shazam

2nd appearance of Dr. Sivana

2nd appearance of Spy Smasher

This is the second issue of the series although the copyright notes indicate this is issue #3

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Captain Marvel, later becomes Shazam

2nd appearance of Dr. Sivana

2nd appearance of Spy Smasher

This is the second issue of the series although the copyright notes indicate this is issue #3

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Beautia, the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Cover correctly reads issue #3, interior notes read #4

Key Facts

3rd appearance of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Beautia, the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Cover correctly reads issue #3, interior notes read #4

Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Sivana

1st appearance of Magnificus Sivana, the son of Dr. Sivana

Revealed that Beautia is the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Key Facts

Origin of Dr. Sivana

1st appearance of Magnificus Sivana, the son of Dr. Sivana

Revealed that Beautia is the daughter of Dr. Sivana

Key Facts

Premiere issue of Captain Marvel's first ongoing series

Captain Marvel's costume was inspired by military officer-uniforms that had similar attributes to the ornate half-cape affixed by braided rope at the neck and slung over the shoulder

Key Facts

Premiere issue of Captain Marvel's first ongoing series

Captain Marvel's costume was inspired by military officer-uniforms that had similar attributes to the ornate half-cape affixed by braided rope at the neck and slung over the shoulder

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Lieutenant Marvels: Tall Marvel, Fat Marvel and Hill Marvel

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Lieutenant Marvels: Tall Marvel, Fat Marvel and Hill Marvel

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel Jr., Freddy Freeman, a boy who Billy Bastion shared his power with in order to save his life

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel Jr., Freddy Freeman, a boy who Billy Bastion shared his power with in order to save his life

Key Facts

Captain Marvel joins the army

Key Facts

Captain Marvel joins the army

Key Facts

The Sivanas coin the nickname "Big Red Cheese" as an insult to Captain Marvel and the name stuck for decades thereafter

Key Facts

The Sivanas coin the nickname "Big Red Cheese" as an insult to Captain Marvel and the name stuck for decades thereafter

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Mary Marvel

1st appearance of the Marvel Family together in one issue: Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr.

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Mary Marvel

1st appearance of the Marvel Family together in one issue: Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr.

Key Facts

1st appearance of Solomon, an adaptation of the biblical figure who also provided the 'S' in Shazam, and when spoken, lent his wisdom to the hero

Key Facts

1st appearance of Solomon, an adaptation of the biblical figure who also provided the 'S' in Shazam, and when spoken, lent his wisdom to the hero

Key Facts

1st full appearance of Mr. Mind, revealed to be a tiny, alien worm

In issue Captain Marvel Adventures #22 - #25, Mr. Mind’s presence is in dialogue alone

Key Facts

1st full appearance of Mr. Mind, revealed to be a tiny, alien worm

In issue Captain Marvel Adventures #22 - #25, Mr. Mind’s presence is in dialogue alone

Key Facts

1st appearance of Uncle Marvel, a member of the early Marvel family who didn't actually have powers

Key Facts

1st appearance of Uncle Marvel, a member of the early Marvel family who didn't actually have powers

Key Facts

1st appearance of Atlas, a titan from Greek mythology condemned to carry the world on his shoulders

The 'A' in Shazam represents Atlas who provides stamina to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Key Facts

1st appearance of Atlas, a titan from Greek mythology condemned to carry the world on his shoulders

The 'A' in Shazam represents Atlas who provides stamina to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Marvel Family #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1945

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

$3.3k

Mid

$9.8k

High

$33k

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Black Adam, an Egyptian prince named Teth-Adam who was first granted powers by the wizard Shazam though it corrupted him

Origin of The Marvel Family: Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Junior, Mary Marvel and Uncle Marvel

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Black Adam, an Egyptian prince named Teth-Adam who was first granted powers by the wizard Shazam though it corrupted him

Origin of The Marvel Family: Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Junior, Mary Marvel and Uncle Marvel

Key Facts

Promotional comic packaged with Wheaties cereal

Key Facts

Promotional comic packaged with Wheaties cereal

Key Facts

Final appearance of Captain Marvel before appearing two decades later in DC's Shazam! #1

Key Facts

Final appearance of Captain Marvel before appearing two decades later in DC's Shazam! #1

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #42

DC ⋅ 1963

View Details

Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #42

DC ⋅ 1963

View Details

Low

$15

Mid

$50

High

$150

Key Facts

Unofficial appearance of Captain Marvel in DC Comics in the story 'Monkey's Paw'

The artist on this issue Kurt Schaffenberger was previously the artist on Captain Marvel (later Shazam) but lost his job after DC, National at the time, successfully sued Fawcett for copyright infringement which eventually led to the publisher to go bankrupt

Key Facts

Unofficial appearance of Captain Marvel in DC Comics in the story 'Monkey's Paw'

The artist on this issue Kurt Schaffenberger was previously the artist on Captain Marvel (later Shazam) but lost his job after DC, National at the time, successfully sued Fawcett for copyright infringement which eventually led to the publisher to go bankrupt

Shazam #1

DC ⋅ 1973

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

Mid

$20

High

$75

Key Facts

DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman

1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel since the Golden Age

1st appearance of Doctor Sivana and family since the Golden Age

Origin of Captain Marvel retold

Key Facts

DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman

1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel since the Golden Age

1st appearance of Doctor Sivana and family since the Golden Age

Origin of Captain Marvel retold

Key Facts

1st modern appearance of Captain Thunder, an alternate timeline version of Captain Marvel who made very few appearances

Reference to the Fawcett Ashcan version of Captain Thunder

Key Facts

1st modern appearance of Captain Thunder, an alternate timeline version of Captain Marvel who made very few appearances

Reference to the Fawcett Ashcan version of Captain Thunder

Key Facts

First crossover of a DC character, Lex Luthor, in a Shazam story

Prior to this issue, Shazam was written in a separate universe than other DC characters

Key Facts

First crossover of a DC character, Lex Luthor, in a Shazam story

Prior to this issue, Shazam was written in a separate universe than other DC characters

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Black Adam in an original story

There was a fanzine published prior to this issue called Alter Ego where Black Adam appears on the cover but the interior is a text article recapping the Marvel Family and Black Adam though it is historically interesting as it was written by prominent Marvel writer Roy Thomas before his tenure at Marvel began

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Black Adam in an original story

There was a fanzine published prior to this issue called Alter Ego where Black Adam appears on the cover but the interior is a text article recapping the Marvel Family and Black Adam though it is historically interesting as it was written by prominent Marvel writer Roy Thomas before his tenure at Marvel began

All-New Collectors' Edition #58

DC ⋅ 1978

View Details

All-New Collectors' Edition #58

DC ⋅ 1978

View Details

Low

$10

Mid

$30

High

$100

Key Facts

First battle of Superman vs Shazam

First meeting and battle of Superman vs Black Adam - Black Adam disguised as Shazam

Key Facts

First battle of Superman vs Shazam

First meeting and battle of Superman vs Black Adam - Black Adam disguised as Shazam

Key Facts

Team-up of Superman and Shazam vs Black Adam

Key Facts

Team-up of Superman and Shazam vs Black Adam

Legends #1

DC ⋅ 1986

View Details ⋅ View Variants (1)

Low

Mid

High

$10

Key Facts

1st appearance of Amanda Waller, director of the Suicide Squad

1st appearance of Brimstone

[January 2023 - a spin-off of Peacemaker with Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is planned]

Key Facts

1st appearance of Amanda Waller, director of the Suicide Squad

1st appearance of Brimstone

[January 2023 - a spin-off of Peacemaker with Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is planned]

Key Facts

DC Universe logo

Key Facts

DC Universe logo

Key Facts

1st appearance of the second Isis, becomes Black Adam's wife and part of the Black Marvel Family

Key Facts

1st appearance of the second Isis, becomes Black Adam's wife and part of the Black Marvel Family

Key Facts

1st appearance of Sobek, a crocodile humanoid experiment of Dr. Sivana's that was befriended by Osiris

Key Facts

1st appearance of Sobek, a crocodile humanoid experiment of Dr. Sivana's that was befriended by Osiris

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Alex Ross

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Alex Ross

Justice League #7

DC ⋅ 2012

View Details ⋅ View Variants (2)

Low

Mid

High

Key Facts

New origin of Shazam told as back-up stories over the course of 13-issues, beginning here

New origin of Black Adam

DC officially renames Captain Marvel, Shazam

1st team appearance of A.R.G.U.S., a government agency

Key Facts

New origin of Shazam told as back-up stories over the course of 13-issues, beginning here

New origin of Black Adam

DC officially renames Captain Marvel, Shazam

1st team appearance of A.R.G.U.S., a government agency

Justice League #18

DC ⋅ 2013

View Details ⋅ View Variants (3)

Low

Mid

High

Key Facts

1st full appearance of the Seven Sins in the Modern Age, introduced to Shazam by Doctor Sivana

This is the post-flashpoint version of the Seven Sins first introduced in Whiz Comics #2 (Golden Age)

Key Facts

1st full appearance of the Seven Sins in the Modern Age, introduced to Shazam by Doctor Sivana

This is the post-flashpoint version of the Seven Sins first introduced in Whiz Comics #2 (Golden Age)

Justice League #21

DC ⋅ 2013

View Details ⋅ View Variants (3)

Low

Mid

High

$10

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the modern Marvel Family, now known as the Shazam Family, in costume

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the modern Marvel Family, now known as the Shazam Family, in costume

Shazam #2

DC ⋅ 2019

View Details ⋅ View Variants (2)

Low

Mid

High

Key Facts

1st appearance of King Kid, the "seventh champion of the Marvel Family" according to him

Introduction of the Seven Magiclands

Key Facts

1st appearance of King Kid, the "seventh champion of the Marvel Family" according to him

Introduction of the Seven Magiclands

Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe #6

DC ⋅ 2019

View Details

Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe #6

DC ⋅ 2019

View Details

Low

Mid

High

Key Facts

He-Man harnesses the Power of Shazam

1st appearance of Queen Marvel

Key Facts

He-Man harnesses the Power of Shazam

1st appearance of Queen Marvel

	Publisher	Low	Mid	High
New Comics #5	DC	$850	$2.6k	$8.1k
Mystery Men Comics #2	Fox	$1.7k	$6.7k	$16.8k
Flash Comics #1	Fawcett	$1.4k	$5.5k	$18.5k
Thrill Comics #1	Fawcett	$4k	$12k	$20.3k
Whiz Comics #1	Fawcett	$34k	$106k	$301k
Whiz Comics #2	Fawcett	$1.1k	$4.2k	$12.5k
Whiz Comics #3	Fawcett	$815	$2k	$8.3k
Whiz Comics #15	Fawcett	$160	$500	$1.9k
Captain Marvel Adventures #1	Fawcett	$10k	$35k	$110k
Whiz Comics #21	Fawcett	$100	$300	$1.1k
Whiz Comics #25	Fawcett	$850	$2.8k	$8.5k
Captain Marvel Adventures #12	Fawcett	$100	$300	$1.5k
Captain Marvel Adventures #17	Fawcett	$200	$800	$2.2k
Captain Marvel Adventures #18	Fawcett	$1.3k	$4.2k	$16.5k
Hit Comics #28	Quality	$50	$150	$500
Captain Marvel Adventures #26	Fawcett	$155	$515	$1.7k
Wow Comics #18	Fawcett	$50	$150	$550
Spy Smasher #8	Fawcett	$80	$225	$915
Marvel Family #1	Fawcett	$3.3k	$9.8k	$33k
Captain Marvel Adventures	Fawcett	$50	$150	$550
Marvel Family #89	Fawcett	$70	$175	$700
Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #42	DC	$15	$50	$150
Shazam #1	DC	$6	$20	$75
Superman #276	DC	$2	$8	$18
Shazam #15	DC	$4	$12	$45
Shazam #28	DC	$30	$100	$325
All-New Collectors' Edition #58	DC	$10	$30	$100
DC Comics Presents #49	DC	$8	$25	$75
Legends #1	DC	$1	$2	$10
Power of Shazam, The #1	DC	$3	$9	$35
52 #12	DC	$1	$2	$10
52 #26	DC	$1	$2	$3
Black Adam: The Dark Age #1	DC	$5	$15	$50
Justice League #7	DC	$1	$2	$3
Justice League #18	DC	$1	$2	$3
Justice League #21	DC	$1	$2	$10
Shazam #2	DC	$1	$2	$4
Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe #6	DC	$1	$2	$4

Adjust Your Filters To See More Comics!

By default Key Collector searches for Standard Cover Key Issues.

Adjust the "Variants" search filter above for additional content:

Variant Covers ([[totalVariants]])

At Key Collector, our primary focus is on unearthing those rare Standard Cover Key Issues for you. However, the world of comic collectibles is vast and varied. We want to make sure you have the tools to explore it all!

Shazam History

Shazam History

New Comics #5

DC ⋅ 1936

New Comics #5

DC ⋅ 1936

Key Facts

1st appearance of Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology

The 'Z' in Shazam represents the power of Zeus

1st appearance of Mercury, the Greek deity best known as the messenger of the gods

The 'M' in Shazam represents Mercury who lends his speediness to Shazam

1st appearance of Pandora, a character in classical mythology whose actions caused the evils of mankind to be released into the world

Key Facts

1st appearance of Zeus, the father of the Olympian gods in Greek mythology

The 'Z' in Shazam represents the power of Zeus

1st appearance of Mercury, the Greek deity best known as the messenger of the gods

The 'M' in Shazam represents Mercury who lends his speediness to Shazam

1st appearance of Pandora, a character in classical mythology whose actions caused the evils of mankind to be released into the world

Mystery Men Comics #2

Fox ⋅ 1939

Mystery Men Comics #2

Fox ⋅ 1939

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Blue Beetle, first in a costume closer to the character's more common design

1st appearance of Hercules, the 'H' in Shazam refers to this version of Hercules who lends his strength to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Mystery Men Comics #2 is the in-continuity first appearance of DC's version of Hercules who continues to appear as an Olympian god with an ongoing backstory

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Blue Beetle, first in a costume closer to the character's more common design

1st appearance of Hercules, the 'H' in Shazam refers to this version of Hercules who lends his strength to the hero when the magic word is spoken

Mystery Men Comics #2 is the in-continuity first appearance of DC's version of Hercules who continues to appear as an Olympian god with an ongoing backstory

Flash Comics #1

Ashcan ⋅ Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Flash Comics #1

Ashcan ⋅ Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett couldn't use the title Flash Comics due to All-American Comics (DC) already having secured the rights

8 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.4 graded copy

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett couldn't use the title Flash Comics due to All-American Comics (DC) already having secured the rights

8 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.4 graded copy

Thrill Comics #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Thrill Comics #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett was forced to select the name Whiz Comics after Better Publications acquired the title Thrilling Comics

3 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.0 graded copy

Key Facts

12-page black and white Ashcan, a way to establish copyright by printing small-quantities and distributing to show proof of intellectual property ownership

1st appearance of Captain Thunder (Billy Batson), renamed Captain Marvel to avoid more copyright issues from Fiction House's character Captain Terry Thunder

Fawcett was forced to select the name Whiz Comics after Better Publications acquired the title Thrilling Comics

3 copies were printed in 1940 but prior to 1986, collectors were unaware of its existence

High value is from a 2008 sale of a 9.0 graded copy

Whiz Comics #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Whiz Comics #1

Fawcett ⋅ 1940

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam

1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam

1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher

1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins

While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman

Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2

There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue

Key Facts

1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam

1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam

1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel

1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher